The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has secured a commitment from Eskom and municipalities to suspend load reduction during key periods of the 2024 matric exams. This assurance is intended to prevent disruptions, especially during exams that require the use of computers and other electronic equipment.
Eskom and Municipalities Assure No Interruptions
During a media briefing on Sunday, Deputy Minister Makgabo Reginah Mhaule confirmed that Eskom agreed to suspend load reduction for the critical exam week. Although South Africa is not experiencing load shedding at the moment, the risk posed by load reduction — which selectively cuts power to certain areas — was still a concern for exam preparations.
Mhaule emphasized the importance of cooperation between municipalities and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to ensure that schools are not affected.
To further safeguard the exams, the DBE encouraged provincial departments to engage directly with municipalities to avoid power interruptions at exam centers.
Security Measures to Ensure Smooth Exams
The security cluster will closely monitor high-risk centers and respond to any disruptions or emergencies that may arise during the exams.
Nearly 900,000 students will sit for their final matric exams this year, with 882,000 learners writing at government schools and 16,400 candidates writing IEB exams. This year’s enrollment represents an increase of 4,000 candidates compared to 2023.
The DBE has identified 987 high-risk exam centers and deployed 70 part-time monitors to oversee these venues. These centers include locations with histories of exam irregularities or cheating incidents.
In one such case in Mpumalanga, the department took control of a center with known irregularities and replaced the teachers with external staff to prevent any further misconduct.
A Plea to Communities to Avoid Protests
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube made a heartfelt plea to communities to refrain from protests during the matric exam period, which begins on Monday, October 21st, 2024.
“These are important exams for our learners, and we want to make sure there are no disruptions. No protest action at school, no protest action in our communities,” said Gwarube.
Acknowledging that protests are a constitutional right, Gwarube urged communities to support learners by ensuring that demonstrations do not interfere with the exams.
“While protests are part of our democratic dispensation, I ask communities to be mindful that protests can disrupt this critical time. Over 800,000 candidates will have this one opportunity that can change the course of their lives,” she added.
Gwarube also requested that parliamentarians, local councils, and provincial legislatures limit oversight visits to schools during the exam period to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Focus and Discipline: Advice for Learners
The DBE stressed that learners should remain focused during this critical period. Gwarube advised students to limit their social media use to avoid distractions.
This advice underscores the importance of concentration during the exams, which can significantly impact students’ futures.
Addressing Anomalies in Marker Selection
The DBE also disclosed that anomalies in the selection of exam markers had been identified and resolved. The department has implemented stringent processes to ensure that only qualified markers handle the grading process.
Matric Exam Results Release
The results of the 2024 matric exams are expected to be released on January 14th, 2025. With additional measures in place to prevent disruptions, the DBE aims to ensure a smooth exam process for all candidates across South Africa.
The DBE’s efforts to secure Eskom’s cooperation and suspend load reduction during critical exam periods reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring students can perform their best without disruptions. With nearly 900,000 learners sitting for their final exams, the stakes are high. Community support and individual focus are essential for ensuring these exams proceed smoothly, offering students the opportunity to shape their futures.
